Annual Report 2016 - Cheshire County Conservation …...Annual Report 2016 Promoting the...

Annual Report 2016

Promoting the conservation and responsible use of natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial,

and educational resources.

11 Industrial Park Dr - Walpole NH 03608 - 603.756.2988 ext.116 www.cheshireconservation.org

Supervisors Amy Bodwell - Roxbury

Bill Fosher, Chair - Westmoreland Richard Mellor, NHACD Representative - Rindge

Andy Pressman, Vice Chair - Jaffrey John Treat, Treasurer - Keene

Associate Supervisors

Chris Bowen, Secretary - Swanzey John Baybutt - Nelson/Roxbury

Tom Beaudry - Walpole Holly and Chris Gowdy - Walpole

Tracie Loock - Fitzwilliam Michael Nerrie - Walpole Jake Nonweiler - Keene

Peter Renzelman - Alstead John Snowdon - Westmoreland

Pete Throop - Keene

CCCD Staff Sharlene Beaudry, Administrative Coordinator

Amanda Littleton, District Manager

NRCS Staff, Walpole Field Office The District works in partnership with the USDA Natural

Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) staff who supply technical conservation assistance.

Mary Ellen Cannon - Soil Conservationist Thomas Cappetta - Civil Engineering Technician

Heidi Konesko - Soil Conservationist Steven Pytlik - District Conservationist

Wendy Ward - Soil Conservationist Jessica Zuzack - Program Assistant

The CCCD Board of Supervisors meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 9am at

the CCCD Office. These meetings are open to the public, please call the District office if you would like to attend a meeting.

Board of Supervisors and Staff

Page 2 Cheshire County Conservat ion Distr ict

Annual Report 2016


Annual Report 2016

2016 Cooperator of the Year Chip Chapman and Sang Curtis of Gilsum, NH

Each year the Cheshire County Conservation District honors an individual, business or organization with the “Cooperator or the Year” award. This is done to celebrate the efforts the recipient has undertaken to steward the natural resources on their land in cooperation with the Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This year we are happy to announce Chip Chapman and Sang Curtis of Gilsum, NH as our 2016 Cooperator of the Year. Chip and Sang own and manage SkyWood Farm and Forest, 150 acres of land that has been under their stewardship since 1985. It is adjacent to conservation land and part of a large forested block within the ecologically significant Quabbin to Cardigan wildlife corridor. Chip grew up in Vermont and has lived in the Northeast all his life; he is a forester and a logger and is responsible for the forest management of their property. Sang grew up in NH with parents that loved the outdoors and nature and had her out tapping trees, gardening, picking grapes and making jelly. Their influence has helped shape Sang into the avid gardener and homesteader she is today. They started working with the USDA NRCS and Soil Conservationist Wendy Ward on forestry and wildlife enhancement practices in 2008. Since that time Chip has written a Forest Management Plan for the property and they have completed 25 practice instances of 7 NRCS conservation practices including Forest trails and Landings, Stream Crossing, Brush Management, and over 60 acres of Forest Stand Improvement that Chip himself marks and cuts with another sawyer. They have employed four people working on timber stand improvement over the years on their property. Wendy and Chip worked together to write a Pest Management Plan to control the woody invasive plants in the fields and woodlands of SkyWood. Wendy shared “I enjoy working with Chip and our conservation conversations. He tries to strike a balance between harvesting timber and maintaining and enhancing the deli-cate ecology of the forest. He sees the little and big picture - he has a local, regional, global view of everything he ponders and adopts.” Chip has also shared that he has


Annual Report 2016

Cooperator of the Year continued

Alyson’s Orchard is very deserving of this award and we are thankful for their stewardship. Congratulations Alyson’s Orchard!

received a great education through his relationship with Wendy and he has evolved to have a strong focus on wildlife conservation. When discussing their property management Chip stated “I feel blessed to be able to do all the work on the property as the landowner, logger, and forester.” Their home and outbuildings were built with wood that was harvested and milled on their property with their own saw mill. Chip shared that “I mill the wood and Sang builds with it. Sang is the carpenter.” All other wood from the property has gone to firewood or local mills. Chip and Sang have a true commitment to wildlife. They have adopted non-chemical methods to control the invasive plants on the property and have opened up their land for educational workshops in partnership with UNH Cooperative Extension. They have also worked to create over five acres of early successional habitat to provide young forest for declining bird species. Chip and Sang have created pollinator habitat

with organic site preparation and meadow seedings as well as established native pollinator friendly perennials, trees, and shrubs. On top of that they have done educational presentations at the Sustainability Project’s Seed Celebration on the importance of planting native plants and removing ex-otic invasives. In 2012 Sang started a contract with NRCS to put up a high tunnel to extend the season for vegetable production and to improve and monitor her soil quality by doing Cornell soil health assessments during her first and third years of grow-ing in the tunnel. Heidi Konesko, the NRCS Soil Conservationist that worked with Sang shared that “she is knowl-edgeable about growing organically and has a strong commitment to produce healthy food for her community.” Sang worked closely with Dee Denehy and six neighbors on a community garden that later evolved into a Community Sup-ported Agriculture (CSA) garden. Dur-ing the time of doing their CSA they would donate hundreds of pounds of food each year to the Community Kitch-


Annual Report 2016

en. Sang now volunteers at the Cheshire Fair Farm to grow and harvest food directly for the Community Kitchen. “Supporting local businesses or growing and making our own food is very important to us,” shared Sang. She does a lot of food preservation; they even built a solar food dryer from wood from the property and an impressive root cellar to store their harvest. Chip and Sang have 100 taps and make maple syrup as a community project. Beyond their own agricultural endeavors they provide land for Vera Flora Farm, a family owned organic cut flower farm, to grow on their property. They also have a strong commitment to renewable energy and being as self-sufficient as they can. They have installed a solar system to power the majority of electricity used in their home. Their stewardship doesn’t stop with their property boundaries. Chip is also the Secretary for the Gilsum Conservation Commission and Sang has been on the Brookfield NH Conservation Commis-sion and the Moose Mountain Regional Greenway Board in the past. Sarah Barkhouse, co-owner of Vera Flora Farm and neighbor of Chip and Sang shared "we feel incredibly lucky to have Chip Chapman and Sang Curtis as our neighbors. All the residents in the neighborhood really cherish how special the land in The Hollow is, but Chip and Sang not only enjoy the beauty and the peace of it, but have knowledge and plans that they put into action to steward their portion of this

place. Whether through careful forest planning and management, cultivating a sugar bush, reviving old pasture for to grow food, or encouraging native plant species, I feel assured that they are mak-ing choices that are positively impacting their land and the land surrounding our home. Besides this, they truly value collaboration- sharing growing space with neighbors and young start-ups, sharing equipment, knowledge and resources. I couldn't say enough about Chip and Sang. They are some of the most kind, steadfast, helpful people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

Chip and Sang have a deep commitment to the health and sustainability of their property, the Hammond Hollow Com-munity and beyond. They represent the stewardship that will ensure a healthy future for the natural resources of our region. It is with great honor that the Cheshire County Conservation District presents Chip Chapman and Sang Curtis with the 2016 Cooperator of the Year Award.


Annual Report 2016

2016 Educator of the Year Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie of the Frederick H. Hooper Institute


The CCCD is honored to recognize Rebecca (Becky) Whippie and Eloise Clark of the Frederick H. Hoop-er Institute in Walpole NH as the 2016 Educators of the Year. Eloise and Becky are an inspiration to the youth of Walpole; they nurture their curiosity about the natural world, help them develop the power of observation, and make sure they are not afraid to get outside. Eloise grew up on a dairy farm in Orange Connecticut and loved being in the out of doors. When she was fourteen she was asked to help teach swimming and realized she really liked working with kids. She has been doing exactly that since the Fall of 1977 when she became the Director of the Frederick H. Hooper Institute, the role she continues to hold today. For fifteen years Eloise worked alongside Fritze Till and for the last fifteen she has partnered with Becky Whippie on educating the youth of Walpole in agriculture, forestry, botany, soils and environmental science. Becky started as a Hooper Institute Educator in 2001; prior to that she taught Horticulture for seven years at Keene

High School. Becky grew up in Keene NH on a small family farm and received her BS in Elementary Education from Keene State College. She always wanted to be a teacher and enjoys incorporating art into her work. Both Becky and Eloise come from strong agricultural families and had plenty of time to explore the land during their youth. Today they share their love for the land and inspire the next generation to appreciate and enjoy all the natural and agricultural resources our region has to offer. Through their work at the Hooper Institute they visit each classroom at the Walpole and North Walpole schools on a weekly basis as well as work with youth groups. Becky focuses her energy on the pre-K through fourth grade classrooms and Eloise works with the older children. They both value their relationships with


Annual Report 2016

the students and the strong bonds that develop over years of weekly connections. “We get to see their interests develop and grow, it is a delight,” shared Eloise. Jackie Ronning a Walpole teacher expressed “Eloise is a wonderful resource for our community and students. Her lessons are impeccable. They are always well planned and include some type of game, hands-on activity or sketching.” One great example of these lessons is when the sixth graders study the Connecticut River watershed. Students learn about the natural and hu-man history of our valley and how water moves through it. The unit culminates in a two-day canoe trip on the river in June. Becky and Eloise manage three school gardens which are the sites of many lessons in the fields of agriculture, soils and botany. They see this as a great way to mix things up and liberate students from the classroom. “Students who have never planted a seed in soil have been able to see the magic of gardening under Becky's supervision. Everyone feels at home with Becky. She is down to earth and fun to be with!” shared Jackie. By planting seeds, weeding, watering and harvest, students learn about the life cycles and care of plants. Children also prepare tasty dishes from the garden produce. In 2013 with a desire to expand these efforts Eloise partnered with the Conservation District to install a 18’x32’ high tunnel at the Walpole Elementary School to extend the garden-ing season. Now the school children successfully raise leafy greens for the

school cafeteria in the spring and fall each year. For thirty six years the Hooper Institute has sponsored the Farm and Forest Project in the Walpole School. This is where they partner with community businesses to host fourth graders to learn about the Town’s working landscape through visits to local farms and forest products businesses. They visit dairy, beef and horse farms, Christmas trees, a maple sugaring operation, apple orchard, woodturning shop and a post and beam business. When the students are sent home for summer vacation Eloise and Becky continue to educate through summer camps. “Parents are guaranteed their children will come home dirty and wet each day” shared Eloise with a smile on her face as she gave me details of all the fun experiences the participating children get to have. In 2015, 110 Walpole youth took part in camps where Hooper themes of agriculture, forestry, botany,


Annual Report 2016

Educator of the Year continued


soils and environmental science were ex-plored with hands-on activities. Older campers did woodworking and explored natural settings and farms in Walpole while younger campers got to participate in fun events like “Dairy Day” where they can make their own butter and ice cream. When it seems youth have grown too old for camps the Hooper Institute has another option for them. Teenagers can apply to be part of the summer work program. This was launched by Eloise Clark in 1997 and since that time farmers have taken the role of mentor, educating youth and demonstrating a strong work ethic. “ I am grateful as a parent that Eloise has devoted herself to this work. She has enabled many teens to make their first work experience positive by placing them in summer agricultural work programs through the Hooper. Most importantly, she is a wonderful human being with a kind heart,” shared Jackie Ronning. Twenty-five teenagers were in-volved in the summer work program in 2015. Over the span of ten weeks, they worked 1,836 hours in the community. They worked at horse, dairy and produce

farms, a vineyard and orchard, veterinary hospital, the recycling center and Walpole Community Garden. “It seemed like a great way to get kids out in the community and interested in the field of agriculture,” shared Eloise. “Some students participate to be outdoors and some are highly moti-vated because they want a career in agricul-ture.” Eloise and Becky also manage the Farm and Forest Museum housed at the insti-tute. The museum is in partnership with the Walpole Historic Society . Over 10,000 kids have visited the Museum since the 1980s. People from the larger community are also invited to visit the museum and learn about the history of agriculture. It is open to school groups and the general public by appointment. Beyond their commitment to education in the classrooms, gardens, and camps they are also active community members gener-ously giving their time as volunteers. Eloise has served on the Keene Conserva-tion Commission, UNH Cooperative Ex-tension Advisory Council, Cheshire Coun-ty Conservation District Board, and is a founding member of the Friends of Open Space in Keene NH. Becky is currently on the UNHCE Advisory Council and has been a past member of the Westmoreland Parent Teacher Association, a Brownie Leader, and the Scenery Advisor for the Drama Club. It is with great honor that the CCCD presents Eloise Clark and Becky Whippie with the 2016 Educator of the Year Award.

2016 Highlights


Annual Report 2016

NRCS Farm Bill Program Workshops & Demonstration Projects

The CCCD reached out to over 2,400 individuals in 2016 with programs regarding resource conservation & farm viability. If you are interested in learning more or have suggestions for future programming please don’t hesitate to contact the CCCD office.

Services of CCCD

Each year the conservation district works along side their partner the Natural Resources Conservation Service to assist landowners on the voluntary conservation of natural resources on their land. This is accomplished by providing administration of the technical and financial assistance that enables good stewardship of the soil, water, air, wildlife, and related natural resources. This year workshops were offered on how landowners can apply for financial and technical assistance from NRCS through the 2014 Farm Bill —workshops included— Soil Health Management, Cover Crops, No Till Farming and Equipment Demonstrations, Forest Man-agement, and Conservation Easements. Educators from Cheshire County UNH Cooperative Extension are key partners in these workshops.

Offered historical aerial photography of Cheshire County and provided soil information to Cheshire County landowners, particularly the Soil Potential Index (SPI) assessment for landowners in the Current Use program. Provided talks as well as educational displays at community events through out the year. Worked with landowners on an individual basis to assist them in better understanding the resources on their property and how to conserve them. The CCCD also offers outreach on behalf of NRCS to make landown-ers aware of the conservation programs available to them.

All programs are offered on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability or political beliefs.

2016 Highlights Continued


Annual Report 2016

The CCCD Board of Supervisors conducted an annual appeal and offered 2 fundraisers during 2016 to provide additional funds for CCCD programs. Bulk Seed Sale Conservation Plant Sale We would like to offer many thanks to the community members who participated!

Organizational Membership Antioch Community Garden Connections - Advisory Committee Conservation District Employees Association of New Hampshire NH Food Alliance - NH Food System Strategy Team Monadnock Conservancy - Stewardship Committee Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition - Board of Directors Monadnock Sustainability Network - Board of Directors National Association of Conservation Districts New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts Southwest Region Planning Commission - Natural Resources Advisory Committee

Fundraising

The Cheshire County Conservation District was created in 1945. It is a political subdivision of the State of New Hampshire, RSA 432:12, with a 170 C 1 non-profit status under the IRS tax code. As a subdivision of the State of

New Hampshire, conservation districts foster partnerships between federal, state and local agencies

interested in the wise use of natural resources.


Annual Report 2016

Supporting Healthy Productive Soil through Equipment Rentals and Education

In 2016 the Conservation District further developed it’s Soil Health Equipment Rental program to help producers meet their soil health goals. The following implements are now available: no-till seeder, single shank subsoiler, penetrometer, roller crimper, aerator, and wood ash/lime spreader. The Conservation District also worked with UNH Cooperative Extension to offer workshops and demonstrations on establishing cover crops, interseeding, no-till farming, managing weeds, and keyline plowing. We also hosted our annual Equipment Field Day to see the implements in action and to discuss how to incorporate beneficial soil health practices into farm management plans.


Annual Report 2016


Windyhurst Farm - Manure & Waste Water Handling Improvement Project

Improving Water Quality Through Skidder Bridge Rentals, River Clean ups, and Dam Removals

The Windyhurst Farm infrastructure project will improve water quality in the Connecticut River Watershed by retrofitting an existing dairy barn to effectively and efficiently move manure and milkhouse waste from the dairy cattle barn and milking center to the watertight manure tank. Windyhurst is partnering with the USDA NRCS on this project. Additional funds secured by the Conservation District from the NH SCC and Connecticut River Watershed Council will be used to tie the milkhouse wash water and parlour waste water to the new system.

Cheshire County Skidder Bridge Initiative

In 2016 the conservation district continues to rent three skidder bridges to land owners and managers that are interested in making stream crossings to preserve water quality during a timber harvest. This is made possible through funding from the NH State Conser-vation Committee. This service would not be possi-ble without strong and com-

mitted partners including UNH Cooperative Extension and Peter Renzelman.


Annual Report 2016

Source to Sea River Clean Up

On September 23rdand 24th a large group of enthusiastic volunteers pitched in to help clean up the Ashuelot River in Keene and Swanzey and Beaver Brook in Keene as part of the Connecticut River Watershed Council’s “Source to Sea Clean-up”. 55 volunteers pulled over 2, 169 lbs of trash and 22 tires rom the three water bodies! There was a contingent of students and staff from the Keene High School and the Surry Village Charter School. They were joined by other individuals from throughout the region. This event is made possible with the partnership of The City of Keene, The Ashuelot River Local Advisory Council, Moosewood Ecological, The Keene Young Professionals, and Keene State College. We would also like to thank the Mountain Corporation of Keene for their generous donation


Annual Report 2016


In 2016 the CCCD expanded the Cheshire County Pollinator Initiative. Pollinators are vital to ecosystems and the agricultural economy, but unfortunately they are in decline as a result of habitat loss. The Cheshire County Pollinator Initiative will address this problem through the establishment of twenty pollinator habitat installations. As a secondary goal the CCCD will also take on a vigorous public education and outreach campaign to share the innovative methodology of

habitat creation undertaken in this project and the results of the pollinator abundance and diversity monitoring. A technical guide on establishment techniques will also be developed and made available to agricultural producers and technical service providers. The final project results will include an expansion of pollinator habitat in Cheshire County and increased landowner and technical service provider understanding on the variety of innovative and effective installation techniques including organic es-tablishment. Funding for this project is provided by the USDA NRCS Conservation

Innovation Grant program and the NH State Conservation Committee.

Cheshire County Pollinator Initiative

Improving Wildlife Habitat for the Health of Our Ecosystems


Annual Report 2016

In 2016 CCCD received a grant to launch a Harvest of the Month program in NH. Our goal is to promote seasonal eating, encourage healthy diets and support the local economy. Partners on this initiative are the regional school districts in Cheshire County, NH Farm to School, Food Connects, Vital Communities, Antioch Universi-ty New England, and The Cornucopia Project. Funding has been provided by the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant.

FARM VIABILITY

Initiatives to Increase Local Food Production and Expand Markets

NH Harvest of the Month

Falls Brook Aquatic Organism Passage In partnership with the Town of Swanzey, Trout Unlimited, The Harris Center, USDA NRCS, and NH Fish & Game the CCCD has secured funding through NH Department of Environ-mental Services, NH State Conservation Com-mittee, and NHFG for the replacement of the 2nd priority culvert in the Ashuelot River Water-shed that will open up 10 miles of upstream hab-itat for aquatic organisms. The permit is pend-ing approval from NHDES and construction is



Annual Report 2016

In 2016 we strengthened our partnership with the Farmers’ Market of Keene to double supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP/food stamps) benefits for up to $10 every market day with Granite State Market Match. The CCCD also worked with Picadilly Farm CSA in Winchester NH and a Buying Club at Keene Housing to offer Market Match. We continued work with a statewide network of incen-tive providers lead by the NH Food Bank to share resources and best practices. We are actively survey-ing and recruiting new farms and farmers markets to partner with in 2017. Funding is made available through the USDA, Healthy NH Foundation, the

Wholesome Wave Foundation, and Healthy Monadnock.

Monadnock Menus offers weekly aggregation and delivery of local farm fresh food to wholesale food buyers such as schools, institutions, and businesses. 2016 was our third full year of sales and we are on track to meet our sales goal of $150,000. We have 30 farms and food producers participating as well as 31 registered buyers. There is an easy to use web-based ordering platform that takes the barriers out of buying local. In 2017 we will continue with a development year for Monadnock Menus - strengthening relationships with existing participants and bringing on new buyers. Partners on this initiative include Food Connects, Harlow Farm, and Stonewall Farm. Funding is provided by the NH Charitable Foundation and Chesh-ire Medical Center’s Healthy Monadnock Initiative.

Monadnock Menus - Farm to Institution Initiative


Annual Report 2016

This diversity of topics on gardening and landscaping were presented in a series of workshops with partners such as Distant Hill Gardens, Moosewood Ecological, and UNH Cooperative Extension.

Conservation Commission Potluck

Educational Events

Partnered with the NH Association of Conserva-tion Commissions to offer this networking and information sharing event at Stonewall Farm.

Getting Started with Fruit Trees, Ecological Landscape Design, The Four Season Garden, Attracting Bees, Birds, & Butterflies to Your Garden, and a Bloom Tour at Distant Hill Gardens

Cheshire County Complex—Maplewood Garden In 2016 the County of Cheshire continued their exciting partnership with Antioch University New England’s Com-munity Garden Connections (CGC) program. The CGC brought the Maplewood Garden back into production and donated most of the food harvested (over 4,000 lbs) to the Community Kitchen in Keene and some to Joan’s Pantry in Chesterfield. This partnership will continue into 2017 along with educational opportunities at the site.

The Cheshire County Conservation District welcomes your input on future educational programming and services that we can make available to landowners.

Monadnock Localvores In 2016 the Localvores offered scholarships to summer farm camp to 22 children through the Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholar-ship. This is a partnership with the Hannah Grimes Center, the CCCD, and committed volunteers.

Farm Conservation Easement Workshop The CCCD worked with the Monadnock Conservancy to offer information and resources on farmland conservation to farmers in the County.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

District Conservationist Fiscal Year 2016 Report

for Cheshire County

The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) continues to be the most instrumental partner with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) getting conservation on the ground at the grassroots level. The District provides assistance to NRCS on a daily basis including; conducting outreach, working with new Farm Bill program applicants, providing administrative support to existing Farm Bill program contracts, and providing technical assistance to participants during project implementation. Without the District’s support and this amazing partnership NRCS would not be nearly as successful fulfilling our mission. Over the past 3 years together we have been able to implement more and more conser-vation projects than we have ever achieved in the previous years. Throughout 2016 NRCS and the District have completed 196 individual conservation projects. These 196 conservation practices were installed using $372,464 in Farm Bill Con-servation Program funding. This year NRCS obligated 25 new Farm Bill conser-vation program contracts totaling $517,281 in financial assistance. The District was also successful in seeking out a new 67 acre conservation easement in Swan-zey along the Ashuelot River under the Farm Bill Agricultural Land Easement program, the Monadnock Conservancy is the lead partner with the easement. The Farm Bill funding and NRCS programs have complemented the CCCD’s mis-sion and objectives very well and together this allows us to get more conservation


Annual Report 2016

NRCS Key Performance Measures 2016

Conservation Applied to Improve Environmental Quality (Acres): 4,132

acres on private agricultural land including forests.

Land with conservation applied to improve water quality 3,085 acres


Annual Report 2016

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is a

core partner of the Cheshire County Conservation

District. The partnership between the NRCS and

Conservation Districts is one that was carefully

designed to foster a unique and productive

relationship to get conservation on the ground and

provide federal resources at a local level.

on the ground. The District continues to focus on the Cheshire County Pollinator Initiative and funding from the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant program has been vital in accomplishing this goal. Countless workshops and outreach events have been hosted by the District this year to provide public education on the decline of polli-nators due to habitat loss and how to manage for pollinators on agri-cultural lands throughout the County. Many successful pollina-tor habitat projects were planted throughout the year including sites prepared organically, direct seeded, and established with live plugs. Soil Health and Quality is also a priority for the CCCD and NRCS. The equipment rental program that the District offers including the no-till seeder, aer-way aerator, roller crimper, wood ash spreader, sub-soiler, and skidder bridges gives producers the tools needed to im-plement soil erosion, soil health, and water quality conservation projects funded by the Farm Bill while raising funds for the District. With this successful partnership Farm Bill conservation program


Annual Report 2016

participants utilized this equipment to plant over 650 acres of cover crops and 50 acres of pasture and hayland throughout Chesh-ire County. With all these cover crops be-ing planted the next step is to promote the adoption no-till and reduced till planting methods for annually tilled crops. Working with the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts through a Conserva-tion Innovation Grant we are working with local dairy farmers in Cheshire County to try no-till corn planting into cover crops in the coming year. The District and NRCS continue to partner on water quality and aquatic organism passage projects as well. This year the CCCD completed a culvert replacement project to restore fish passage on the Falls Brook in Swanzey. This project site was identified as the second highest priority fish migration barrier to be removed in the Ashuelot Watershed. The project was not eligible for Farm Bill funding since it is located on a Town Road; however the District was able to secure the needed fund-ing under the State of New Hampshire’s Aquatic Resources Mitigation fund to make the project happen. NRCS has provided technical assistance with other part-ners including Trout Unlimited, NH Fish and Game, NH Department of Environ-mental Services, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Town of Swanzey. This is perfect example of how the District and NRCS has worked together with other partners to address the resource concerns identified at the local level while meeting our core mission objectives.

Together we are “Helping People Help the Land”.

Sincerely, Steven D. Pytlik District Conservationist

NRCS 2016 Report continued

Of the 196 NRCS funded conservation projects installed in Cheshire County throughout 2016 the top ten conservation practices were:

1. Seasonal High Tunnels – 9 High Tunnels constructed, $56,364 2. Stream Habitat Improvement – .6 acres of habitat improved, $46,093 3. Forest Stand Improvement – 120 acres treated, $44,661 4. Cover Crops – 655 acres planted, $42,574 5. Forage and Biomass Planting - 53 acres planted to perennial sod for hay

and forage production, $23,836 6. Forest Trails and Landings – 2.1 acres constructed or repaired, $21,816 7. Riparian Forest Buffers – 1.6 acres planted, $10,458 8. Forest Management Plans – 5 plans developed, $10,419 9. Fence – 5127 feet installed to facilitate rotational grazing, $9,687 10. Mulching – 6 acres of mulch applied on 14 farms, $6,419


Annual Report 2016


Annual Report 2016

Financials - 2016 Treasurer’s Report The Board of Supervisors appreciates the continued support of the District’s conservation programs by the Cheshire County Commissioners and the Cheshire County Delegation. Also appreciated are the technical services offered by our “Partners in Conservation” the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, UNH Cooperative Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency and other cooperating agencies.

2016 Receipts, Year to Date

Expenses

Grants 94,959 50%

District Manager & Programs 68,151 36%

Fundraising 8,739 5%

Admin & Office 19,342 10%

191,191 100%

Income

Grants 320,073 74%

County of Cheshire 55,766 13%

Fundraising 38,097 9% NRCS Fee for Service 11,632 3% Equipment Rentals & Fees 8,202 2%

433,770 100%

Grants

District Manager& Programs

Fundraising

Admin & Office

Contributed Support


Annual Report 2016

A special thank you is offered to the many people that contribute to the success of the CCCD by volunteering their time and energy! We extend our gratitude to the following individuals, organizations and businesses who have made donations or grants during 2016:

David Adams Alyson’s Orchard Amy B. Bodwell & Carol D. Saunders Cheshire Gardens Eloise Clark & John Treat Brookfield Farm Tim Campbell Cheshire County Farm Bureau Connecticut River Ag Services Connecticut River Watershed Council County of Cheshire Maureen Curtis & Dean Beaman DiLuzio Family Fund Distant Hill Gardens Elm City Brewing Company Ron Farina Chris & Cindy Feiker Fertile Fields Farm Anne Francisco Marcia French Elizabeth & Peter Hansel Healthy NH Foundation Healthy Monadnock 2020 Carl and Ruth Jacobs Keene Lions Club Mary Ann Kristiansen Carl Majewski Pierre Martinet Richard Mellor Mayfair Farm Miracles in Motion Monadnock Food Coop

Michael & Kathy Nerrie NH Association of Conservation Districts NH Charitable Foundation NH Department of Agriculture Markets and Food NH Department of Environmental Services NH Fish and Game Department NH Food Bank NH State Conservation Committee Jake Nonweiler Phoenix Farm Picadilly Farm Peter Renzelman L. William Slanetz Dottie Smith Gayla & John Snowdon Stephen Stepenuck Stuart & John’s Sugarhouse Stonewall Farm Roger & Ann Sweet Tracie’s Community Farm Steven and Sharyn Tullar USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Westmoreland Lions Club Wholesome Wave Wichland Woods W. S. Badger Co

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